Erect prickly-pear (Opuntia stricta, Syn. Pl. Succ.: 191 (1812))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (Haw.) Haw.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. Succ.: 191 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Opuntia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A. to E. & S. Mexico

Description

Erect Prickly-pear (Opuntia stricta)

The Opuntia stricta, commonly recognized as the “Erect prickly-pear,” is a distinguished member of the Cactaceae family. Originating from the southeastern United States and extending through eastern and southern Mexico, this species exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of desert flora.

Characterized by its upright, robust growth, the Erect prickly-pear boasts an extensive habitat range, thriving particularly well in arid and semi-arid environments. The plant’s defining feature includes its fleshy, pad-like stems known as cladodes, which are modified to perform photosynthesis and store water – adaptations that are vital for survival in its native regions.

The cladodes are typically adorned with clusters of glochids – small, barbed spines that can easily detach and irritate the skin. Though less imposing than the primary spines, these glochids serve as an effective deterrent against herbivores. Additionally, the pads of Opuntia stricta can bear clusters of beautiful, yellow flowers. These blossoms not only attract pollinators but also give rise to edible fruits, commonly known as “tunas,” which are cherished for their sweet and juicy properties.

Despite its aesthetically appealing flowers and fruit, the Erect prickly-pear also has a reputation for being an invasive species in several regions outside its native distribution. Its ability to propagate and establish in a variety of soil types can lead to competitive displacement of local flora, posing challenges for biodiversity.

Historically documented as early as 1812, the nomenclature “Syn. Pl. Succ.: 191” credits its scientific classification to the notable work of Adrian Hardy Haworth. Over two centuries later, the Erect prickly-pear continues to be of interest not only for botanists but also for gardeners, ecologists, and agriculturalists.

Given its widespread distribution and ecological impact, understanding the growth patterns, reproductive strategies, and management of Opuntia stricta remains relevant for both conservation efforts and cultivation practices. The plant exemplifies the delicate balance between being a native stalwart in its natural landscape and an aggressive invader where it takes root in foreign soils.

Common Names

Spa: nopal estricto, chumbera apretada, pera espinosa, tuna
Fra: oponce
Eng: erect prickly-pear, erect pricklypear, sour prickle, erect prickly pear, prickle
Por: palma-de-espinho
En: Erect prickly-pear, Erect pricklypear, Sour Prickle, Erect prickly pear, Prickle, Shellmound prickly pear, Australian pest pear, Coastal Prickly Pear, Common pest pear, Common prickly pear, Pest pear of Australia, Prickly pear, Sour prickly pear, Spiny pest pear
Fr: Oponce
De: Opuntia stricta, Feigenkaktus
Pt: Palma-de-espinho
Es: Nopal estricto, Chumbera apretada, Pera espinosa, Tuna, Chumbera

Synonyms

• Opuntia macrantha (Gibbes)
• Opuntia stricta var. reitzii ((Scheinvar) Scheinvar & A.Rodr.)
• Opuntia airampo (Phil.)
• Opuntia bentonii (Griffiths)
• Consolea bahamana ((Britton & Rose) A.Berger)
• Opuntia balearica (F.A.C.Weber ex Hirscht)
• Opuntia stricta subsp. esparzae (Scheinvar)
• Opuntia bartramii (Raf.)
• Opuntia longiclada (Griffiths)
• Opuntia parva (A.Berger)
• Opuntia tenuiflora (Small)
• Opuntia keyensis (Britton ex Small)
• Pilocereus flavispinus (Rümpler)
• Opuntia magnifica (Small)
• Opuntia inermis ((DC.) DC.)
• Opuntia vulgaris var. balaerica (F.A.C.Weber)
• Cactus opuntia var. inermis (DC.)
• Opuntia dillenii var. reitzii (Scheinvar)
• Opuntia nejapensis (Bravo)
• Opuntia bahamana (Britton & Rose)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Zé Morgado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Burgospain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2017 by Kissanga Feliciano Ginga (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Man_Roman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Burgospain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2019 by Robert Hofman (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Naushad B M (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Rahul Wakare (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Luca PARDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Ortiz Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Gelman Sergio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2020 by rico angel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2018 by Enrique Cenoz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Ines Guilbaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Marina Espélia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − sdko (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384075)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:137078-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 1